Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is proud to introduce the principal officer team leading the organisation: Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay, and Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Preston.

Together, they bring extensive fire and rescue experience and a shared commitment to delivering a safe, inclusive, and high‑performing service for our communities.

Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson was appointed in 2026 and provides strategic leadership for the Service. Stewart is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, empowering staff, and ensuring TWFRS remains a learning organisation.

At a national level, he plays an influential role through the National Fire Chiefs Council, holding key positions in Organisational Learning and Operational Learning and contributing to work that enhances capability across UK fire and rescue services.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay has more than 25 years of experience in the sector, having served in Cumbria FRS, Cheshire FRS and, more recently, on secondment as Interim Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland FRS. She is also the Chair of the NFCC Command and Control User

Lynsey has been instrumental in delivering positive change within TWFRS, supporting the development of people, systems, and processes to strengthen the Service’s performance and culture.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Preston joins us following a long and distinguished 20‑year career at Cleveland Fire Brigade.

David leads People Services, Corporate Services, and Mobilising and Digital Transformation—areas essential to how TWFRS supports its workforce and delivers services to the public. His leadership will help drive technological advancement, organisational development, and staff wellbeing.

Together, the principal officer team will lead with integrity, ambition, and an unwavering dedication to protecting the public and supporting the exceptional people who work across Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.